CSU tests emergency plan

WILBERFORCE — More than 45 safety personnel and representatives from local governments joined Central State University staff last Friday to test the university’s emergency operations plan.

“I think in the overall assessment it went great, “ said Mark Machan, CSU director of public safety. “It’s all about making our students safe.”

Police and fire crews responded to a simulated bomb threat in Williamson Hall and an active shooter situation in the Norman E. Ward Center. Firecrackers were used to simulate gunshots. About 10 volunteers participated, many as actors in the scenarios. Xenia Township Administrator Alan Stock played the shooter.

“I think it’s good we partnered — the cities of Xenia, Wilberforce, Wilberforce’s campus and Central State,” said Xenia Mayor Marsha Bayless, who also participated. “I think it was a great exercise. We can never be prepared enough.”

Xenia Deputy Fire Chief Joe Mullikin said it was the first time that his department had deployed its rapid tactical teams in a full-scale exercise.

“I thought we got some pretty good practice,” he said.

All participants talked about the exercise after the incident. University officials will incorporate any suggestions to improve the plan.